18 May 2021

Rugby Dementia Friendly Communities Group marks Dementia Action Week

The Rugby Dementia Friendly Communities Group have marked the start of Dementia Action Week by yarn bombing the iconic Webb Ellis Cup outside of the Rugby School.

The decorative piece was created by members of the local community alongside the Rugby Dementia Friendly Communities Group and was unveiled by Mayor of Rugby, Bill Lewis.

The cup has been decorated with crocheted and knitted flower forget-me-nots, signifying support for the Alzheimer’s Society and to reignite the campaign to ‘Make Rugby a Dementia Friendly Community,’ which launched in 2018 and was set up to create a community where people living with dementia are understood, respected and supported. The work for this progressed steadily until the pandemic when it ground to a halt but the members felt that Dementia Action Week 2021 was a good time to kick start it again and raise awareness by yarn bombing the Webb Ellis Cup.

Mayor Bill Lewis said: “As Mayor and First Citizen of Rugby, on behalf of the residents of Rugby, I thank everyone who has helped to decorate the Webb Ellis Cup for today’s unveiling. I am sure this will help increase the public’s awareness of dementia and where to find help when it is needed”

The unveiling was rounded off with cupcakes provided by Anya Court Care Home. Customer Relationship Manager of the home and a member of the Rugby Dementia Friendly Communities Group, Karen Handley said: “It is amazing given the restrictions we have had, that the local community has come together in time for us to re-launch our Rugby Dementia Friendly Communities campaign at the start of Dementia Action Week.

“We want to make people aware of what we are doing to work towards Rugby being a town where people with dementia feel included, are understood and supported.

“We are proud at Anya Court to play our part in this and I, as a Dementia Friends Champion, encourage people to become a Dementia Friend as their first step”.

Members of the Rugby Dementia Support Group currently include, Anya Court Care Home, Brethertons Solicitors, Rugby Borough Council, The Rugby Register and Vasstech Garage and they welcome more members in their goal to Make Rugby a Dementia Friendly Community.

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